As we inch closer and closer to the "holiday season" I can't help but think about why I love living (and working and playing) in a small town - I love having everything within walking distance. The comforts of small towns like having a grocery store and specialty gift shop around the corner or on the next block are spectacular. And these gems really do shine this time of year. It's so important to support our local businesses during the holidays and every day - they truly are the backbone of our communities.

But what makes them better, why spend the extra dollar or two at your local market when you could drive to a larger chain and purchase similar items for the same or even a little less? The answer is simple, it's the people! The ladies and gentlemen who own, operate, manage and work the store around the corner are your neighbors and they put their heart and soul into what goes on their shelves.Each little shop where you can buy a pair of earrings or painting is unique, just like the people who run them. The stores not only offer one-of-a-kind items, but they also offer one-of-a-kind experiences. Take New Day Finds on Race Street in Jim Thorpe for example. The quaint little shop is filled with handmade items, many of which are geared toward celebrating where we live. And shop owner Karen Blankenbiller enjoys making just what the customer wants with special-order handmade jewelry, gifts and more. Stop in any time and Karen will delight you with a wonderful story of a recent adventure. In her free time when she is not working, Karen enjoys exploring northeastern Pennsylvania and finding new inspiration for her next creation.Buying local isn't just for the products or the experience; it's also about the community. When you purchase locally, more of your dollars are circulated back into the community, helping to improve the overall economic climate, build better infrastructure and support local improvements such as new parks and bridges. On average, 45 percent of each dollar spent locally is circulated in the same community as opposed to only 14 percent at larger chain stores. This phenomenon, the "Local Multiplier Effect" was coined in 1936 by economist John Maynard Keynes in his book The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money. Keynes understood back then the importance of a local marketplace.Local isn't better just because it's handmade, supports our local communities and comes with fantastic character. Local is better because it's awesome and has a way of impacting the entrepreneurial spirit so many of us have inside. Local is better because it is kind to the environment with a relatively low impact carbon footprint. Local is better because it is unique, inspired, targeted and employs a neighbor or friend. Local is better because it is what we want, where we want and when we want. Local is better because there is a face, a name, a person behind each store and attraction.So remember, as each day passes and Christmas shopping moves to the top of your "to-do" list that you can find exactly what you are looking for at a shop around the corner. Everything from hand-carved yard signs to national brand bikes and clothing, our local shops carry it all and when you shop local, you help make local better.The Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation supports small businesses and is a Neighborhood Champion for the 2015 Shop Small marketing campaign sponsored by American Express. Call 610-377-5000 or stop by our office to pick up your Shop Small marketing materials for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28 and the holiday shopping season.